COLDWATER, MI. – (WTVB) – A divided Coldwater Planning Commission denied on a 5-4 vote a special use permit on Monday night for a proposed rooming or boarding house for the homeless at the corner of Church and North Hudson streets.
The action came after a nearly one hour discussion on the request as the citizen turnout filled the City Council Chambers.
City Planner Dean Walrack said in his report for the Planning Commission that Genesis Outreach Ministries proposed to operate a shelter for nine to 12 homeless men from the house. The shelter would have had round-the-clock onsite supervision. A church building on the property would have been used as a warming center and kitchen.
Under the conditions for approval, the special use permit may be revoked if the Neighborhood Services Department received a number of code violation complaints and a privacy fence would be installed.
Paul Pope from Genesis Outreach Ministries says they planned to use the house to help the homeless find jobs and get out on their own. He said there are a lot of homeless people who don’t know where to go.
While those who spoke in favor pointed out the need in the community to help the homeless, those who spoke in opposition were concerned about property values, the condition of the building, that it was not a direct rehabilitation center and that such a shelter should not be in a residential neighborhood.
The site is located at the northeast corner of Church and Hudson Streets. The property is in an A-3 multi family residential district.
Voting yes were Planning Commission members Tom Kramer, Aaron Garn, Michael Beckwith and Aloha Miller. Commission members who voted no were Jessika Cole, David Rumsey, Chris Stevens, Zack Stempien and Jeff Budd.
Even though the request was denied on Monday night, Genesis Outreach Ministries can come back to the Planning Commission with another Special Use Permit request in the future.
